Broad Beech Fern
ExplorePlants
Broad Beech Fern
phegopteris hexagonoptera
The Broad Beech Fern has large, beautiful leaves that look like feathers! It loves to grow in shady places, making it a perfect plant for exploring in the forest.
Habitat: Moist, shady forests, often found under trees.
Appearance
The Broad Beech Fern has light green, broadly triangular fronds, often wider than they are long. Its lowest frond sections uniquely point downward and backward, giving it a distinctive winged appearance and setting it apart from other forest ferns.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassPolypodiopsidaOrderPolypodialesFamilyThelypteridaceaeGenusPhegopteris
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
7
Interesting facts
Instead of seeds, this fern releases tiny spores you can barely see.
Its scientific name, *hexagonoptera*, means 'six-angled wing'!
The broad lower frond parts uniquely point downward and backward.
Young fronds unroll in spring like a tight little fiddlehead scroll.
Special abilities
Ability
Spore Power-Up
Broad Beech Fern can reproduce using tiny spores, not seeds, which helps it spread and colonize new damp forest areas.
Ability
Underground Traveler
Broad Beech Fern has creeping underground stems (rhizomes) that help it spread widely and form large colonies.
Ability
Shade Seeker
Broad Beech Fern has large, flat fronds that help it efficiently capture the dim light under dense forest canopies to make food.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-75 cm
- Spread
- 30-60 cm
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
Ecological connections
eaten by
Dusky slug
Arion subfuscus
slugs may browse on its fronds
shelters
Red-backed Salamander
Plethodon cinereus
provides cover on the forest floor
depends on
Red Maple
Acer rubrum
relies on canopy trees for shade
Traits
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Also known as
Beech FernBroad-leaved FernHexagon Fern
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Broad Beech Fern?
The easiest way to identify Broad Beech Fern is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How tall is Broad Beech Fern?
30-75 cm
How wide does Broad Beech Fern spread?
30-60 cm
Is Broad Beech Fern edible?
No
Is Broad Beech Fern toxic?
None
What is Broad Beech Fern's lifecycle?
Perennial
Where is Broad Beech Fern usually found?
Moist, shady forests, often found under trees.
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
Where to spot
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